Mixin’ It Up: James Yuill

“Hi everyone. I’m James Yuill. I guess you could describe my music as Folktronica with a heavy house twist. My album “Turning Down Water For Air” comes out on Moshi Moshi on October 13th. I did a remix of Roots Manuva’s Buff Nuff for the Discobelle Comp and won it so they asked me for a mix. I gladly accepted. And here it is.

Now i should point out, I’m no DJ. In fact this is the first proper mix I’ve done. So I have no idea whether these tracks will blow up the dancefloor etc. All I know is that I love them. Some may be old. Some may be badly mixed, but it’s the best I could do.

Kish Mauve – Lose Control (Fred Falke Remix)
I found this remix on a blog recently. I pretty much love everything Fred Falke does, for that matter all the things Alan Braxe does too. Their production is leaps ahead of everyone else.
So here’s a great Alan Braxe remix of Kelis. Got this one off a mate ages ago. Genius. I’m sure if I was to ever be a DJ and play this one out (as they say) it would literally blow up the dancefloor with things flying off the hook all over the place. I particularly like the lead synth that comes in just as the rap finishes and the chorus begins. it’s little touches like that that make Alan Braxe so good.

Kelis – Bossy (Alan Braxe Remix)

Rio – Race Is Set (Part II)
When i was working sourcing music for ads I found this track on someone’s Myspace and followed it all the way to Beautycase Records in Germany. Absolutely brilliant. with synths that remind me of Prototype by Rex The Dog, which unfortunately was too slow to mix in here but worth checking out.

Tiga – (Far From) Home (Digitalism Remix)
Another track I found through my old job. Got the EP with about 6 mixes on. The DFA remix is pure joy. A few weeks later I went to see Jackson And His Computer Band at Fabric and Digitalism were playing just after him. It was mental. I’d never heard so many bit crunched basslines side chained to hell.

Surkin – Radio Fireworks
I love the simplicity of Surkin’s work. Just raw dance tapped straight from the glands of Daft Punk.

Kavinsky – Testarossa (SebastiAn Remix)
The Ferrari man remixed by the guy that brought us “Ross Ross Ross”. I know it’s old, but how could i not include it. Ross x3 pretty much changed my life. that’s the whole reason I got into Ed Banger Records. And the whole reason I produce my tracks the way I do. That and Jackson and His Computer Band.

Felix Cartal – L’Amour
Another track I found on a blog recently. Loved the bassline immediately. There’s something of a Boys Noize to it. I can imagine all kinds of shit happening on the dance floor if this one’s dropped firmly in the club.

Teenage Bad Girl – Vacuum
My flatmate played me “Fuckin’ Frog” a few months ago so I bought the album, which is fantastic. really dirty with some great remixes from Boys Noize and Hystereo (whose 2005 album “Corporate Crimewave” is a must have)

Heavy Rotation – Run For Your Life (Diamond Cut Instrumental)
This track takes a swift glance at the 80s and then takes the reverb off the drums and realizes it sounds better like that! Great melodies in this one. Was going to try to mix in “Europa” by Bob Sinclair but wanted to whack the next one in more.

The Presets – This Boy’s In Love
Oh my god. You need the new Presets album. It’s tonnes better than the first, and I loved that one! This track is amazing. gets the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Really reminiscent of so many golden 80s tunes with that piano riff. Something Vince Clark could have written if he’d been so inclined. Makes me feel like I’m going mental in a gay techno circa 1990.

Bumblebeez – Rio
A great album my Press people gave me. I must say this is the best track off the album, but it is pretty good despite its similarity with Basement Jaxx.

Mr Oizo – Nazis (Justice Remix)
I don’t i need any words to describe this one. Crazy remix for a crazy dude. When that bassline drops I can’t help but thrust my pointed hand into the air. Despite sitting here in my bedroom with murder she wrote playing silently on the tv behind me. I know…I’m a loser.